Project Management Challenges in the Concord Project

A number of companies supported the industrial revolution during period of the World War  (Paton, 2008).  High industrial developments rates and research in technology comes with many challenges. The development of products that initiates the company development is usually conducted by the project managers in step wise manner. During conduct of a project there are a multiple stages and at each stage it needs to be ascertained that difficulties are overcome such that the project can conclude in a successful manner. The scope of this current report analyses Concord case which was a jet launched to reduce flight duration by the French as well as by the British governments (AERODYNAMICS). The aircraft idea was formulated in order to extend the existing cooperation between the governments and reduce flight timings over the Atlantic, it was a successful venture and idea focus of which was on supersonic transportation. There was significant delay associated with the project due to lack in knowledge of French technicians regarding supersonic transportations. Thus, this study analyses the key challenges faced in the project through Diamond Model framework along with case description and recommendations in which knowledge can be managed across change management processes and framework structures (Buckley, 2010). The Diamond Framework while managing complex project framework ensure that there is low risks and timely delivery made of projects. Though the management of knowledge has been undertaken there has been no contribution made to the past project to understand how could it have been made more successful in nature. Managing knowledge in a capable and diversified manner can help cover the various risks associated with projects and in completing it in a timely manner. Therefore, the project manager comes with ways that the organization can produce quality products at cheaper costs but more efficient ways that meet the consumers’ specifications. 

The technological innovation and idea behind the use of Concord to provide technological improvements in production to produce standard goods that meet the needs and wants of the consumer (Bozeman, 2011). The project can take years to be complete as the engineers try and retry the new methods in production to its perfection. The engineers faced high amounts of challenges both technical and project management in nature to build supersonic airliner. Firstly there was trouble related to data stealing and then there completing the aircraft. there were also several environmental concerns and other errors made. The entire launching and conduction of the project was not done in a successful manner (Wofford III). At the time Concord supersonic jets was supposed to be launched there were tremendous number of hurdles in the industry as experienced by way of industrial revolution as well as alliances formed between countries. As France and British people joined hands for the project launch. though Britishers possessed capabilities relating to technical project management and their deliveries there was high risks involved for the launch of the same (Lagrosen, 2007). Prior to commencing in any project it becomes necessary to evaluate and determine the project management capabilities of the entire team of experts who are working together, any skill gap can raise significant challenges for the project and subsequently can lead to its failure.        

Diamond Model Framework: An Innovative Tool for Project Diagnosis

The project managers though worked and strived to attain excellence yet at each and every stage there were a high number of risks as well as challenges faced by the Company that led to the Company finally suspending its operation of the flight from such complex issues.

Diamond Model Framework is an innovative and well guided toll that helps in diagnosis of project attributes (Young, 2009). There are multiple approaches towards project management Diamond Framework allows to map project details according to four criteria’s as technology, novelty, pace and complexity for identifying and mitigation of risks. In every project it is required that customer needs are fulfilled and its deadlines are met for satisfying customer expectations. Project Managers often build ways that helps studying and analyzing customers possible reactions towards marketing to ensure there is product breakthrough for achieving project success (Carter, 2008).   

The areas of project management operations are concerned itself with an array of diversified different projects managed through the technical complexity of projects. For catering to various types and forms of urgency. This needs the approach and plans for meeting emergency situations (Chikán, 2008). Thus, Diamond theory in project management allows building a matrix or a matrix that enables plotting of benefits as against risks elements within the scope of the project. Customers being the key stakeholder of projects can requests for any type or form of improvisation of products, thus project managers need to identify scope to rectify and develop the project constantly to exceed customer expectations. It has been estimated that most project conventions fails as it does not possesses capabilities to adapt to conventional business environment and dynamism of challenges that global environmental factors throws upon them (Hagger, 2014). As in case of Concord while launching of the project there was tremendous number of gaps identified and challenges faced in technical terms which led to its delay and subsequent raising of costs which stakeholders had to bear. Analysis of a project framework by means of a Diamond Framework will allow to set customer satisfaction goals and determine each components of projects whether to conduct it in-house or to outsource it for timely delivery of the project. In case of the Concord Project participants of the manufacturer for the supersonic jets failed to visualize the technical developmental details along with expertise that would go into actually making of the project and can help in its timely delivery (Gilmont, 2007).

Analyzing the Concord Project using Diamond Model Framework

The Diamond Theory model helps in ensuring successful project is evaluated by means of basic five dimensions of impact on customers, efficiency, impact on team handling the project, success of the business as well as scope of preparation for future. In Concord Project the launch of it was expected to make immense impact and lead to success of the project and the whole world looking up to the technological marvel created by the Company (Wu, 2007). However, inspite of forming all necessary pacts and treaties that would invite equal or more contribution from contributors from either side of the projects there were technical difficulties associated with management of the project. Project life cycles are an integral part of analysis of the way to complete the project in shortest time duration. Diagnosing nature of projects helps evaluate a project for understanding capabilities and allows employees to understand priorities for managing it in a systematic manner (Asmussen, 2009). Business organizations indulge in projects for the purpose of earning revenue hence it is essential that project efficiency is enhanced such that they have shorter life cycles to deliver within increased competitive scopes. Market puts pressure for novel To try new production methods, hence project managers as competent practioner needs to put competent project team members. All factors consideration is integral to projects as in case of project manager meeting projects deadline and accommodating in schedules, customers might not be satisfied (Hayes, 2014). Future uncertainties  and risks which  are on the rise and enders traditional models as inadaptable in nature. Common elements and concepts governing scope of projects needs to be understood for amounting of expertise. Hence, the Diamond Model Framework also referred to as NTCP model integrates four basic elements for understanding the deliverables in a project. Novelty allows linking amongst crucial elements of a project, as in case of Concord the most crucial factor was regarding innovating supersonic technological expertise that could stun the world and reduce travel time significantly (Allen, 2007). Technology is another aspect that are integral in case of low-tech to high-tech projects.

Therefore, technological evaluation and performance control are crucial in every project as it allows directly linking to capabilities and expectations to be made from a project itself. In case of super-tech projects technical challenges are more as considered to low-tech projects where a team of ordinarily skilled employees might be able to deliver. Complexity factor in the Diamond Framework helps to diagnose the complication of the products involved in the project. Understanding levels of complexities helps reduce risks by diagnosing them either by avoiding or by mitigating the same (Rusko, 2013). Pace depicts the urgency of work that are required in a project in order to understand timings related to the project as normal, critical, fast or blitz and so on. All these parameters are placed on four quadrants of the graph which depicts the diamond shape and then is analyzed accordingly. All these parameters are ascertained by means of goals that are set against project deliverables and the graph helps to point at actual structure of the project as against capabilities possessed. The gaps amongst the two will need to be understood for understanding success associated with projects. Therefore, a project can take many years to be completed or few months depending on the management plan and goal of the project.

1. Project Management Strategy

Recommendations for Managing Knowledge across Change Management Processes and Framework Structures

The use of Concord was a dream project that was envisioned by France and British governments that was encapsulated by the Concord Company. Every project’s success is dependent on the rate of timely delivery as well as cost structure that it provides and caters to. Thus, in order to deliver short term projects in a timely and cost effective manner quality has to be ensured for customer satisfaction rates (Lyytinen, 2008).

It is very crucial to increase team efficiency for long term view and for attaining flexibility such that new requirements can be accommodated. Projects flexibility for adapting to new requirements helps adapt to customer happiness for enriched product performances. The primary reason of mismatch between the project launched and delivered is failing analyze and interpret information that can lead to success. Therefore, diamond Project theory model becomes possible solutions to analyze the gaps of projects and selecting the best resources that can be matched as against capabilities (Johnson G. S., 2008). In Concord Project there was a Novelty concept that was to create a carrier which possessed supersonic capabilities to traverse Atlantic and reduce travelling time considerably. The concept associated with the project was marvelous as it was Novelty and aimed at something new and innovative in nature. Marketing of tickets of supersonic jets was fairly easy by breathtaking product life cycle with low-risks. It required that project managers freezer requirements at the time of launch of the projects, but in this case several hurdles was faces as there were several considerations that had to be accounted for, especially environmental ones (Latta, 2009).

The marketing gaps existed led to the development of extensive market research was also lagging in the project with analysis that could enable easy and safe launching of the projects. As the project was a “Breakthrough product” it had more challenges those other products in similar platforms that manufacturers could easily exploit. Every aspect of the project regarding body metal structure quality, development and technical aspects was unknown apart from general technical expertise to develop aircraft carriers. A product design suitability along with development process that could extend the expertise of designer had to be achieved (Qian, 2008). It was integral in trial and error testing such that project team can collect necessary data from prototypes and then make suitable altercations.Technological difficulty which is second factor analyzed in diamond Model Framework revises the scope for technical difficulties. This process makes an appropriate mix of new along with mature technology such that existing levels of technological framework could be enhanced however, such newness represents uncertainty to the market as well as to the company (Karp, 2008). Low tech technological projects have low associated risks whereas high tech projects have higher levels of risks which increase risks of failure and delays as well as in Concord. There was significant cost overrun and repeated challenges faced across diagnosing technical requirements hence the technology could not be frozen for process efficiency or to take advantage of the project which in turn impacted the project team. As it was diagnosed in the case that French could not meet project expectations according to technology while Britishers were up to the mark.

Measuring the performance in any type of project is relevant as it entails assessing way that projects are organized (Jimmieson, 2008). Projects can be successful once the various complications associated with it has been managed or overcome with organized effort. There can be complications associated with assembly, system and array that can lead to considerable amounts of challenges in projects. while assembling of Concord there were challenges pertaining to materials, subsystems, components with actual processes and focus on product. At this juncture the Company faced high challenges due to lack of technical contribution made by French experts. Systems depicts complexity in manufacturing processes that can involves variable software and hardware functionalities, as Concord had several suppliers that were external to the system, it can be termed as high risks project (Johnson M. W., 2008). This project had also imposed an array of challenges as it needed proper coordination between the French and British experts to deliver solutions. There was relatively less sense of urgency associated with the projects however there were delays associated with timely completion of the project delivery schedule. due to this reason there was a need for contingency planning for the project to handle delays and cost overruns.

The performance of the project to its completion needs the proper leadership and management techniques which help in planning, controlling, coordination and organization the resources to be used in the project operations.

There are various dimensions of power that has to be dealt with for managing politics and other challenges. Every project can be conducted in an efficient and effective manner to enable its proper conduct and timely delivery. Political people and other powers might exert their influence on a project that might be difficult to mitigate or overcome to manage complex challenges. A project scope includes identifying of various factors and their environmental analysis such that it can be conducted in a proper manner. The project of Concord involved political benefactors. . , hence risks associated with such types of projects risks are higher in nature compared to others.

 As the scope of the current project required several conventions as well as treaties to be signed between the French and the British governments. The issues pertaining to political environment had to be managed on a priority basis before the project initiation and project managers have to evaluate the scope of such fields. When a project initiates and political as well as other power sources has been dealt with then it is possible to complete the project with minimal amounts of risks and in time within scope of costs.      

Corporations while handling and delivering of projects needs to dynamically manage complex sets of knowledge that are imposed on them from the environment (Turner Parish, 2008). A complex environment imposes immense amounts of challenges hence corporations needs to prepare its employees such that they can adapt to changes improvising on their state of knowledge. Kotler provided a change management framework that can help organization gain suitability and appropriateness to market and industry led situations. While employees resists to change and do not easily want to adapt procedures that can led to competitiveness for the firm, change management leaders has to enhance their knowledge such that they can accommodate diversified situations and cater to the changed environments (Sanchez-Burks, 2009). Concord case is a an appropriate example of a company that failed to mitigate risks and overcome contingencies by failing to integrate the major knowledge that was needed to be upgraded for the jet launch. Knowledge and industry prevailing conditions are dynamic in nature which changes rapidly, if an organization is unable to view opportunities within scope of prevailing knowledge and its frameworks then it might fail in totality (Szabla, 2007).

Project management leaders while developing infrastructural or specially new product that can be Novelty in nature has to integrate dynamically all possible facts and available information in the market such that all possible contingencies within a project can easily be met. While change dimensions can be multifarious context that involves change includes competition, new technological advancements, government regulations, economic environment, market trends, nature of available resources, ways in which contextual factors are dynamic in nature (Klaus, 2014). While managing knowledge a process of change needs to be followed that is initiated by sensing needs, amplifying understanding, creation of credibility, legitimization of viewpoints while generating partial solutions. Identifying oppositions, elimination of undesired options, managing of coalition and changing of perceived risks associated with projects thus enabling education and participation to enhance levels of knowledge.

Passing of information and messages of the project and its development is very important in the organization

 Knowledge of people involved can be increased by way of communication through education and involvement by participation. For managing knowledge across the organization, the people has to be trained and developed such that there is a rapid interchange of knowledge amongst them. Frequent updation of knowledge to match skills and competencies of external environment has to be possessed and developed accordingly. Thus, managing knowledge can entail development of immense capabilities for the organization. Incorporating in an ambience of change that allows dynamic exchange and interchange of knowledge amongst them provides capabilities to the organization to match human resource skills. Such skills and competencies allows companies to become leading companies such that they can complete projects in a timely and successful manner.

Conclusion 

Complexity is an important topic in the field of project management as a project faces a series of diversified changes throughout its course. Complexity in projects helps understand underlying making it an intervening variable. As complexity and knowledge needs to be parallel handled project management leaders needs to be equipped to face challenges and threats that a project might face during its lifetime. Potential risks for every project needs to be evaluated as against setting standards and expectations for suitable outcomes. Such enhanced and technical measures for accommodating in for changes allows to overcome fears related to failure as well as entails project completion within deadlines. Project deadlines leads to increased costs and often losing track of the project itself. All variables within a particular project remaining interconnected it becomes pertinent to evaluate the necessary and vital aspects of a project that can lead to its competitiveness and timely completion. Customer satisfaction is the key to every project delivery thus, a project manager and conduct for the project needs to ensure that steps have been undertaken to meet customer satisfaction levels or over exceed them. Customer being a major stakeholder for every project his discretion and understanding has to be prioritized such that it can lead to more orders and projects which can generate increased revenue inflows. Challenges of every project diagnosis is the key and complexity has to be overcome to render successful projects which can lead to repeated order deliveries.      

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